I seek to empower people by giving them something to ponder.

Are “Trump Conservatives” Irrational?

My friends and American countrymen, today I write in disappointment and dismay at so-called conservatives and evangelicals who supported Donald Trump in the states which logically and rightfully should have supported Ted Cruz. First and foremost, the term “Trump conservative” is an oxymoron, comparable to a Catholic Protestant, a Marxist businessman, a vegetarian carnivore, or a leftist Republican, although the latter seems increasingly accurate, considering the prevalence of those whom conservatives are unapologetic to call a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only). Such is Trump. Aside from that as the primary reason that conservatives should not support him, I have listed a few others below.

1. Trump is not a conservative.

He has recently been styling himself as a “common sense conservative.” Could that be his flexible version of a constitutional conservative? Semantics aside, conservatives support the principles of religious liberty, limited government, and a free market system. Based on that conventional definition, here are some of Trump’s unconservative positions:

Such government intervention in the private sector is scarcely conservative. By the way, Trump skipped out on a very important conference of conservatives (CPAC) in which all Republican presidential candidates speak. He did so on a short notice in spite of accepting CPAC’s invitation several months ago. Instead, he took it for granted that he did not have to answer questions by the attendees, and according to CPAC organizer Matt Schlapp, that was “disrespectful.”

2. Trump lacks basic understanding of the Constitution and the rule of law.

When asked by CNN host Anderson Cooper what the top three functions of the U.S. government are, he responded that “the greatest function of all by far is security for our nation. I would also say health care, I would also say education.” Every conservative knows that the last two are unenumerated powers reserved to the states.

Trump’s disregard for the rule of law can be illustrated in his support for restricting free speech by loosening libel laws, whereby suing newspapers would be easier. He also indicated that as commander-in-chief, he would coerce soldiers into waterboarding terrorists, even though the Obama administration has banned it.

3. Trump lacks good character.

On several occasions, he made a public display of his arrogance. For example, on the issue of Sen. John McCain’s POW status, Trump objected to his heroism, since his plane was shot down in North Vietnam. “He’s not a war hero,” Trump said. “He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured.” One could easily envision such arrogance displayed in other scenarios. The picture below (displayed on a billboard sign by a church) illustrates a similar point.

Credit: Conservative Tribune

When Trump refused to participate in one of the FNC debates, essentially because he could not dictate the terms, his arrogance became apparent again. He mistakenly took it for granted that he did not have to present himself, his policy positions, or his American vision before Iowans in order to get their vote. On another occasion, he was boastful of how loyal his supporters are, stating, “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot people and I wouldn’t lose voters.” Do any of you sense Trump’s fear of the Lord or humility?

Aside from Trump’s arrogance, he has also made some inappropriate remarks, as well as exhibited ill-mannered behavior. In response to one of the questions (apparently unfavorable to Trump) of Fox News debate moderator Megyn Kelly, Trump disparagingly said that she had “blood coming out of her eyes and blood coming out of her…wherever.” Where could wherever possibly be?

In one of his rallies, Trump mockedNew York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski (a unique creature of God with a congenital disability), emulating his body’s irregular posture and movements—behavior that even properly reared children are taught never to mimick. On another occasion, Trump publicly called Pres. George W. Bush a liar and called for his impeachment for allegedly misleading Americans to believe WMD were present in Iraq; Trump later stated he was uncertain whether or not Bush lied (putting his judgment into question as with other foreign policy positions). Clearly, a man of his temperament, making such an outrageous and unfounded accusation and acting inappropriately, is not fit to be America’s chief diplomat or statesman.

4. Trump is not an anti-Establishment candidate.

Contrary to popular (or rather populist) belief, he is the ultimate Establishment politician. He may never have held the official title of politician, but by virtue of contributing large sums of money to Establishment politicians (Democrats and Republicans) in order to affect public policies, he displays the term in action. That gives him the advantage for his business operations while trumping (pardon the pun) over conservative principles, perpetuating a large part of the Washington Establishment—namely, crony capitalism. His loyalty or, rather, disloyalty to both parties indicates he has no entrenched principles or political platform on which he can stand or predictably govern. Gov. Bobby Jindal summed up Trump’s position well when he said, “He is not a conservative. He is not a liberal. He is not a Democrat. He is not a Republican. He is not an Independent. He believes in Donald Trump.”

Even on the campaign trail, Trump emulates the cunning methods of typical politicians. For example, in order to galvanize evangelicals, he claimed that his favorite book (next to his Art of the Deal) is the Bible. If that were the case, it seems logical that he would know how to pronounce II Corinthians 3:17 or be able to state his favorite biblical verse when requested to do so, which was not the case. Another example of political expedience was raising the issue of presidential candidate Ted Cruz’s eligibility to be president prior to the Iowa caucuses. For several months, Trump was silent on the issue, as if he were finally satisfied that Cruz was eligible. However, when GOP debate moderator Neil Cavuto asked why Trump continued to pursue it, he frankly admitted, “Because now he’s doing a little bit better [in the polls].” Such is the myth of Trump not being a politician.

My friends, when there is a clear alternative candidate, who is a consistent conservative and has a successful record of defending Christian liberty (all of which I have documented), why don’t many conservatives and evangelicals in the southern states support him instead of Trump? Could they be confusing his sophomoric, vulgar, and arrogant demeanor (scarcely Christian, much less presidential) for being forthright or politically incorrect? Could it be that they are ill informed, gullible, or even irrational? Could it be that they are confusing a populist candidate for a conservative one?

Could the Trump evangelicals be of the same mindset as the evangelicals who temporarily subdued their intellectual judgement and Christian principles in order to satisfy a more superficial impulse via membership in Ashley Madison (the controversial, extra-marital affair dating site)? The renowned pastor Robert Jeffress of Dallas First Baptist Church sympathizes with the Trump evangelicals and reasons thus:

Christians overwhelmingly chose Ronald Reagan not because he was the most religious candidate but because he had the quality people thought was most necessary at the time, and that is leadership…I think many evangelicals have come to the conclusion we can no longer depend upon government to uphold traditional biblical values…We need a strong leader and a problem solver, hence many Christians are open to a secular candidate like Donald Trump.

Indeed, Reagan served in the Army Air Forces as Personnel Officer, Post Adjutant, and Executive Officer, assisting in the production of training films for the military. He assisted the FBI in purging Hollywood of suspected Communists, and he served two terms as California governor (1967-1975) before he became president. Therefore, Jeffress was correct to point to Reagan’s leadership, and I would add patriotism.

What of Trump’s leadership? Could Jeffress be referring to being a leader in insulting American heroes, in mocking disabled people, or in his sexual performance of which he boasted at one of the presidential debates? Perhaps he is referring to Trump’s leadership in raising the issue of border security and immigration and making it the focal point of public discussion. In that case, I must mention that Ted Cruz has led the opposition against amnesty, which is precisely why the Gang of Eight amnesty bill was quashed in the House. Cruz also proposed several border security measures, including a wall in 2011—several years before Trump made his well-known pitch.

Hence, the leadership premise Jeffress raises is fallacious. Perhaps these so-called conservatives have consumed the Holy Communion wine, which is spiked with a bit of the Shirley Temple beverage the blogger Conservative Cyborg has written about.

Just think rationally for a moment and consider your two viable choices for the Republican nominee. One is a New York crony capitalist, who has changed his party affiliation at least six times (since 1987), and has done virtually nothing for Christian liberty, promoting constitutional principles or conservatism in general. On the contrary, Trump has supported liberal and unconstitutional policies, which largely benefitted himself (hardly patriotic), and boasts that he will compromise conservative principles in order to “get along” and “get things done” with the Washington Establishment.

However, the alternative candidate (Ted Cruz) is a proven conservative, whose record of defending the Constitution (namely religious liberty, rights of the unborn, gun rights, and state sovereignty) remains unmatched by any of the current presidential candidates, and is tenaciously unwilling to compromise on core conservative principles merely for the sake of getting along and getting things done, even in the midst of political gridlock (a situation for which the founders devised an electoral process as a remedy, not a hindrance to be bypassed by executive orders). By the way, should President Trump’s deals or compromises fail in Congress, would he resort to executive orders as Obama currently does?

My friends, conservatives are completely justified in channeling their infuriation and distrust of the Republican Party (whose members have constantly reneged on their promises in capitulation to Democrats) into a candidate who shares the same sentiments. However, shared sentiment alone does not qualify one to be president of the U.S. As conservatives, we must not be blinded by our anger and vote strictly out of emotion, a trait which is generally attributable to liberals, especially those who voted for Pres. Barack Obama. Instead, let us use our full reasoning capacity to see past Trump’s flimsy, populist rhetoric and elect a seasoned constitutional maverick, who seeks not to make deals with the devils in the Washington Establishment, but to defy them in defense of the conservative principles of religious liberty, limited government, and free enterprise.

It’s easy to talk about making America great again. You can even print that on a baseball cap. But the critical question is, do you understand the principles and values that made America great in the first place?

If you all do not understand, then please refrain from referring to yourselves as “conservatives.”

Victory to Sen. Ted Cruz for God and Country!

Comments

Julie Egan-JamesUnless it’s rigged. You have to remember how involved the elite are. Like the Bildabergs. They choose. That being said, Trump , I believe knows this and is saying no more. Just like all the BS with 9/11. He’s calling them out. I hope he can win.

Julie Egan-JamesI can meet the challenge I am pretty up on my facts. I juts need to decide if I have time for this battle. Let me feed the kids . Get school started and drink some tea! Then I’m on it! ! I never back down from a little educating. Or shoolin, as some call it.

Julie Egan-JamesSure am. However I am also like trump a common sense conservative. We are in far too much trouble for labels. Give me some time. I homeschool because of common core, so I need to read your link and get my kids going on school.

Julie Egan-JamesSo what first. Let’s adress PP. And his change on his stance. Isn’t it wonderful he evolved. Don’t Christians want people to come on over to our side on this issue. Or do we judge him for once being pro choice? This is the one argument i feel no one has a right to bring up. Example. I am very pro life. However I am a rape victim. Had I faced that choice, I would have aborted. Then. Thankfully I was never in that position. I am also Christian. Now, I have evolved. Since then, I have come to realize that aborting a baby because of rape, creates two victims. But… I would never tell a woman what to do. Because unless you have walked that horrible journey, you have not much opinion in my eyes. In God’s yes. And because of my somewhat liberal stance on this, as far as rape. I will ask for forgiveness. That’s being a christian. I do not know what you dive into for your info. TRUMP has said to those facilities that perform abortions ,he will pull the funding. But, if you watch MSM you will get an edited version of his stance. I down watch TV. Ever. It’s all lies. Especially the media. I was once too lied about in the media. So it is a very sore subject for me. So to sum this position up. If you are are conservative christian, you can’t hold his previous stance against him. That goes against Christian values and Gods word. For the record. I’m not looking for sympathy. I’m not a victim. I am a survivor. Just have a clear understanding on this topic more than others.

Richard LauneyJulie Egan-James, there you go with the common sense. You do realize what sort of response this elicits, right. But I agree wholeheartedly, even though I am still skeptical of Trump, but, this is politics, I’m skeptical of everybody.

Deborah TraichalRichard Launey you should read Crippled America by Trump which was written before he announced he was running for president!! It shows his ideas for America & his patriotism! May help you with your voting decision! God Bless

Julie Egan-JamesObamacare. In all fainess, the thought behind it was good. If the reason it was created was honest. All it is has done is reak havoc on our economy as premiums skyrocket. To simplify this, it means less money put into the economy by less spending on luxary items and food. So what does this do for people. It keeps them dependant on the system. Housing , food etc. All part of the lefts plan. Which is exactly what Trump has stated. So instead, he has developed a plan that can work. By us investing our money into ourselves. Like we are getting our pay check, and paying ourselves first. Right off the top. If you go back to his Facebook, in 2010. You can see he has always been against obamacare. Unless you watch TV. They don’t mention this fact.

Julie Egan-JamesEthanol. So we want to depend on foreign oil? I’m with trump. It’s time to keep our money here. But see, all the politicians get alot of donations from the oil industry! ! What earth does that do for us. We the people. Keeps us addicted to the system. The system that makes them richer and us poorer. That’s all the establishment cares about when it comes to ethanol . Certainly isn’t our wallets. Or jobs.

Julie Egan-JamesHigh tariff. The simple conservative answer to this, is, China is ripping is off because we are stupid. Just like he says. It is NOT a fair trade. This again, keeps us dependant in foreign countries. How is this conservative again? He will bring jobs back here if he does this. It’s the take no shit attitide he has. We HAVE to do this. Serverseperate the fact he made ties in China if that’s what your defense is. He followed business laws that were available to him as a business man. We can’t use that against him. We cant. It’s What he does now as a politician that counts. Not the business man before. We move from here.

Julie Egan-JamesI don’t agree on the bank bailouts. I see how it kept money here. But not enough for us. I think the intention was sinister. But I don’t think Trump was sinister about it. I think he was thinking about a quick fix. To be honest I don’t know the ins and outs of this deal. The ramifications is all i am aware of.

Julie Egan-JamesI think he knows what happened with 9/11. I think his friendship with Hilary is an added bonus. Now he knows her dirty secrets and can expose her. All his information. He has collected over the years. He knows what’s coming. Thats why he jumped in. To save us and expose the corrupt. He’s holding back. He has too. Once he’s in. Look out. That’s why they fear him. That’s why they want him gone. Because he’s going to talk! ! Trust him. He is trying to help, before it’s too late. He is not bought and paid for. This means he is free to speak.

Julie Egan-JamesDid I miss something. I know there is talk of his womanizing . He’s a hot blooded male. He’s not the first man to think between his legs. Sorry Donnie. Lol. But it is what it is. This has been going on since biblical times.

Julie Egan-JamesRichard Launey sure. If you mix ethanol (corn) with the fuel. That corn is grown here. (Iowa mainly) We add it to our fuel. At a cost. But it makes us less dependant on foreign oil which means our money stays here. Not all. But ALOT! ! We have to be self sufficient. We have too. Or we will never get out of debt with other countries. Us first! !

Julie Egan-JamesHis view in ethanol all blends in with my oil comment. He wants to increase the blending of it in our fuel. Which makes us less dependant of foreign oil. He wants us to not get oil from elsewhere and drill our own oil. I think we get some from canada are you asking if we will get a break if this is done? The cost of this will be high at first but I see it as a win win in the future. I don’t know how it works with cars as of now. Or if you’d get a break for buying a car that runs this way. I can look and see if I can find a link where he speaks of it. The goal of his plan is to secure our independence. I can’t imagine why anyone would want it any other way. If the end result ensures independence. I am on board. And the money would stay here and things could change. If the establishment wasn’t around to fight it to the death.

Richard LauneyJulie Egan-James, the idea that we need ethanol to blend with existing fuel sources is the problem. This is nothing but a handout to corn industry. The ethanol causes more damage to engines, as well as being more harmful to the environment. The emissions produce toxins that are more carcinogenic than fossil fuels.

As for supply, we already have more petroleum base fuel sources within our borders and territorial waters than anyone else in the world. Three of the four largest deposits in the world are in U.S. territory, not to mention the shale oil and natural gas reserves. The only thing he could possibly do to help with this is a tariff on imports.
My problems with govt over the last 2 decades, as if there were time fir all of them, are the handouts (subsidies) to businesses. Govt should not be deciding who succeeds. Let the market take care of that. Of the top 2 candidates, I would have to go with Cruz’s approach to subsidies, cut them all, let the markets decide. If the people want it, they’ll find a way. The entitlement problem goes well beyond ebt and welfare, corporations have been robbing us as well, including corn and other farm products.

Julie Egan-JamesAnytime you want to keep everyone else In Control of our money we lose. I am not for goverment ever deciding who succeeds . And as far as toxic emissions. Our entire system is designed to tell you that. Sure there will have to be changes. But the best way to keep us addicted to others is to threaten us with bad air. I also think climate change is BS too. It’s another way to sponge more money from us. We need to do whatever it takes to keep our industry here. To say that letting another politician fix it. Is a stretch. One who can’t make a move on his own. They are not going to give up a cent to help us make money. I bet if we followed the money on this issue we be surprised to see it ends up in the government’s wallet.

Julie Egan-JamesI would too. Cruz I believe us more like me on this whole climate change debate. Thats a money pit too. Thats why you see planes manipulating the weather. Which is why they finally admitted it. But not for the reasons they say they are doing it. Such corruption. Uhg.

Richard LauneyThe reason for the climate change BS, as you so accurately put it, is Globalization. The purpose is to get control of ALL resources and power to the UN. This will be the global governing body. They have already begun embedding UN troops with ours, knowing that our troops are less likely to fire on its on people. Obama’s EO making co2 emissions a regulated emission is further proof. The regulations would be enforced by the UN. Question, when you breath, what do you exhale? Getting the picture.

Julie Egan-JamesI have a little conspiracy theorist in me. It’s always been there. I just roll with it now. I think the whole system s rigged. She’s already decided. But I also believe trump knows this and he’s trying to stop it. I think the Bildabergs met their match with Trump. If he can take over, we will see just how rigged this is. I urge everyone on here to research this. There is alot on you tube. Some info that is. It makes sense. Everything makes scary sense.

Richard LauneyWhat happens if Cruz goes to Trump, and says, hey, let’s screw them all up. You be pres, I’ll be vp. No brokered convention, no contested convention. No chance fir the Establishment to steal another one. A business man and a Constitutionalist.

Richard LauneyIt’s not how it’s intended, but it is how it works. Palin should have a pretty good spot, she got in early. They expect Christie to be named AG and Carson something along the lines of head of Health and Human Services. That’s politics.

Julie Egan-JamesEminent domain lol. Do you shop at Walmart? Do I really need to go into this one? Do you drive on freeways. Last I checked some were built (on ramps) Right in the middle of a mall or subdivision. And make no mistake. The land he took from people, to build, made them very rich. He didn’t steal it. He bought it.

Marcial BonifacioJulie, your patriotic spirit and thought for your children’s future give you honor. I appreciate your choice in home schooling your kids. That’s what more Americans should do in order to avoid the liberal brainwashing of the youth. I also appreciate and understand all your points and sympathize with your negative experience. First and foremost, I’m a constitutional conservative, which is why Ted Cruz is my choice. Labels are not always precise, but they are useful in conveying information to others for clarification. Some things are irrelevant, but core principles as limited government, religious liberty, gun rights, free enterprise, state sovereignty, and original intent of the Constitution are key issues in defining conservatism. It is the metric by which I choose my candidates. Having said that, let me continue addressing your points.

Marcial BonifacioPlanned Parenthood. The 10th Amendment gives the states autonomy from the federal government due to the unenumerated powers not contained in the Constitution. The enumerated powers are limited to the federal government, such as defense, immigration, mail delivery, etc. Since the funding of PP is not an enumerated power, it is for the states to decide, not the federal government. The issue of abortion is secondary, and I think most conservatives make rape and maternal fatality an exception anyway. The other issue of Trump defunding the abortion part of PP is a moot issue because some Christians do not want any of their taxes going to an organization which violates their religious liberty. Besides, there are local women’s groups which fulfill the same functions as PP.

Julie Egan-JamesAgreed..I wish they distibute the funding to other clinics and shut that Hell hole down. But…. I do not forsee this happening. I am trying to decide what I can live with and what I cannot . Alot of people do not realize their options for other medical care. Sadly.

Marcial BonifacioJulie, Cruz would defund PP which would confine their continued existence to the states as is constitutionally mandated. We live in an information age in which even the poor can access the internet and find such local institutions without the aid of the federal government. Therefore ignorance is no excuse.

Marcial BonifacioOn the issue of Trump’s possible evolution, I do not know what’s in his heart in order to draw that conclusion. I can only look to his past of changing parties and positions at least 6 times since 1987. Cruz, on the other hand, has a record of being a consistent conservative. Even at the early age of 19, he had the Constitution memorized and discussed it in various conferences. To put it simply, Julie, would you want a reformed Obama (who claims to recently have became a conservative) or a Reagan teaching your kids history? 🙂 Whom would you trust the most? Indeed, Launey is correct to be skeptical of Trump.

Julie Egan-JamesIf we see being real, we know he is so libertarian. Labels mean nothing to me nor do parties anymore. This doesn’t affect me in the least bit. If he needs to jump over party lines to accomplish goals. I’m so okay with that.

Julie Egan-JamesCruz is a wolf In Sheep’s clothing. He has not participated in votes on matters he opposes. Not to mention what he did to Carson shows his true colors. He lied. Lying Ted . Why did he make that choice? Cause he’s dishonest.

Richard LauneyJulie Egan-James, the fiasco that was the nonevent concerning Carson was manufactured by the media. Within a few news cycles, even Carson asked his supporters to let it go. If there is one person the Establishment fears more than Trump, it’s Cruz. He is the closest to Reagan we will likely find in thus cycle. While there are also similarities between Trump and Reagan, ideologically, Cruz is closer. Should they come together, it would truly be a sight go behold. And wouldn’t that screw up the Establishments plan.

Julie Egan-JamesIt wasn’t. .. if you go back and read the timeliness of the tweets, the Cruz camp is lying. Not the media so much. Everything is time stamped. Yet no one looks, smh. This is exactly my point. Amd no the establishment fears Trump. Because he knows things, and will not sign away his rights to speak. Why do you think Bush ran away, with his tail tucked. One word.of 9/11 and he gone! ! With all that money.

Richard LauneyJulie Egan-James, keep in mind, this is pomitucs, and just as Trump referred to Carson as pathological, in the pedophile sense, as he said, this is how the game is played. I did believe, in a passive/aggressive sense, that Trump and Cruz are both trying to change the way the game is played, while still playing within the lack if rules the system allows. Confusing I know, but I think they are both trying to get to the same place in slightly different routes.

It isn’t like Trump hasn’t pulled a few stunts himself. At least judge them both by the same standard.

Julie Egan-JamesHe has pulled alot of stunts. Yes. He does it for a different reason though. He has to get there. If he doesn’t, he knows we are in big trouble. Have you ever noticed how Trump speaks?. Compared to how he speaks in his books? He almost dumbs down his speech to reach us. As to not confuse us. Sadly. We understand his kind of talk more than Cruz. Because this is the shape we are in. Every man for himself. Cruz needs to step back. We have to get this right. Last chance. This is it! You want a puppet who’s controlled by the Kochs, the IRS, Goldman Sachs, OR a man who makes his own rules. .it’s so simple yet we make it about what it’s not. Who cares who he calls a bimbo. I am more worried about Christians being beheaded in the streets.

Richard LauneyJulie Egan-James, you really need to spend some time investigating the Loch brothers brothers before you assume the hype the leftist media is correct. They aren’t what Politic purports them to be. The same can be said of the hype surrounding Cruz. His speech hasn’t changed, because HE hasn’t changed. He is the same Constitutional Conservative Christian he has always been. He has continued to fight for us, in spite of opposition from his own party. One if the absolute few who came in as Tea Party Conservative, and proved it can be done. He doesn’t win all the time, but that’s not ready when you stand alone.

Trump may, or may not be what he says he us. That’s changed so many times, its hard to keep track. At least with Cruz, he has taken the opportunity to demonstrate where he stands, and that he WILL stand. Trump has yet to prove anything other than being successful at business, and manipulating the media.

Richard LauneyYou mean the same Ted Cruz that exposed them for capitulating to Obama’s budget demands? The same Ted Cruz that filibustered and took the blame for shutting down the govt? The same Ted Cruz that is more hated by the Establishment than Donald Trump? And you’re gonna base that on the fact that his wife is employed by GS, and they bank there. That’s really deep political logic. Good job.

Julie Egan-JamesYou don’t know that he is more hated. No one does. I do know this . He lied in Iowa. And when this happens, you wonder how much truth comes out of his mouth . Not just any lie. He cheated. I do know who he has taken money frim. The latest is the IRS. Now I’m not sure how this works. But I do know because of that he didn’t show up to vote on the Audit. I don’t like that one bit. That means what he says is political BS. Realizing he’s a politician and needing the Money, I can set this aside. But I just know he’s paid for now. That will affect every single decision he makes now. If you think it will not, you’re sadly mistaken. I’m a realistic person. I see this for what it is. And that is not a stretch to say that.

Julie Egan-JamesRichard Launey I do no get my info from tv. Nor did I get my info about the koch brothers from tv or the left. I do my research and am very and aware of who they represent. As far as teaching my kids, I will teach my kids. I will choose the curriculum. I want states to decide what we put out in schools. And have a chance to vote I don’t depend on the village to raise my kids because I have seen the village. These are my children and I’ll decide.

Richard LauneyAll we can go on, as far as who is hated, is the comments of those he has come against. Trump is partially correct about Cruz’s relationship with his fellow Congressmen, they don’t like him, and for good reason, he doesn’t surrender to Obama for the sake of political expedience. Evidence indicates he is hated, their statements, so, yes, we can make that assessment. Just as we do concerning Trump. In Ia. , his staffer lied, he took the blame, as a leader should. He apologized twice in private, and twice in public. Unfortunately, some people can’t get past that, despite the fact that it wasn’t his offense, and the wronged party asked for it to be dropped.

As for the money, campaign contributions, unfortunately, not everyone has Trumps war chest, not everyone is a multi-billionaire. Just because a candidate accepts a contribution doesn’t mean he is owned, or even owes. If that were the case, his largest contributions are from the people at a grassroots level, so he would owe them more than anyone else.
I don’t know how your kids education got into this, but, from your post I assume you home school. Commendable. That would likely make them not only better educated, but better people in general. The education system is a farce. Homeschooled children tend to be better educated, moral, successful and contribute more to society in a beneficial way. I would suggest keeping them as close as possible, as long as possible. They grow so fast.

Julie Egan-JamesI do homeschool. My curriculum is old school. I have two adult son’s that went through public school and graduated with honors. Now that I see what is happening with my young sons, the difference, I decided to pull them out. I had too. One of my son’s was at 2nd grade level Inn fifth grade, on an IEP program. I was devastated he was there. Now he is in 7th grade and at 7th grade level. My third grader, is doing 6th grade level. Our system is flawed. Big time and our teachers here in Oregon have failed them. As far as Cruz, I do have a problem with his donors. A man of ethics should question who they take from. Just like the grief Trump received from not dissing the KKK guy. Forgot his name at the moment . It’s the same the Hong. Even though Trump was being lied about. Cruz did take this money. I don’t feel good about that.

Richard LauneyThe KKK guy was David Duke, former Grand Dragon. The irony was he NEVER endorsed Trump as was reported. He said he liked a lot of what Trump was saying. The press misrepresented his statement, imagine that.

As for the donations, Trump has the luxury of being able to fund his own campaign, with little or no contributions necessary. Cruz, and others don’t have that luxury. Beggars can’t be choosy. As I stated earlier, accepting those contributions doesn’t put him in anyone’s pocket. Like Trump or anyone else, that remains to be seen.
To the need for homeschooling, thank Carter and his Dept of Uneducation for that. Since they took the responsibility from the states our system has gone into a death spiral. You were wise indeed to decide to homeschool.

Julie Egan-JamesWhy is being rich, off your own hard work a luxary? My parents are millionaires, let me say this, my dad worked seven days a week, made good choices and earned w very penny. It’s his blood sweat and tears. Not a luxary? ? I.feel like people hate him for his money. Thats not okay. I admire him for that. Which is the attitude everyone should have. I hope someday my husband and i can enjoy the good life we have worked for.

Richard LauneyAs far as the campaign funds go, it’s a luxury in the sense that he doesn’t need to seek financial help. A time consuming part of any campaign. I hold no envy towards anyone having what they earn. In my world, your father would get to keep more of what he earned. Why should the govt get it to misuse. They didn’t work for it?

Julie Egan-JamesOr anyone for that matter . I don’t want to pay for other people’s kids to attend college. I just don’t. It’s greed for them to ask. And Cruz isn’t poor. So I’m not sure he needed all those donations. Just wanted to use other money rather than his. Another thing I admire about Trump.

Richard LauneyHis involvement with GS was part of that. He started his campaign with a loan on his assets on hand. Campaigns are running into the billion dollar range now. He may not be poor, but his available funds hardly come into the campaign worthy range. He sank nearly all his funds into this, on that score he simply can’t compete with Trump without outside help, so, yeah, he would need the donations.

Richard LauneyStill gotta have it to spend to get the message out. While the media is spending all it’s time going after Trump, and unintentionally getting him more support, they’re ignoring Cruz. He can’t get any air time in that vacuum. That’s part of the strategy in declining the last debate, deny as much air as possible.

Marcial BonifacioJulie, labels are significant to me because you can either support the Constitution or oppose it. That is the basis of conservatism. Anything else is subsidiary and cannot last long without such a foundation. Even Cruz, notwithstanding core conservative principles and the Constitution, said he is willing to compromise on certain issues. For example, he may not be able to get an exact 10% flat tax. He may have to compromise with 12% or tweak it some other way. That is reasonable.

Marcial BonifacioJulie, on the issue of the Koch Brothers donating money to Cruz in order to influence him, there was a crime bill in the Senate. The bill was heavily pushed by the Kochs and was opposed by Cruz due to its leniency on violent offenders. They even condemned him publicly as being anti-Bill of Rights: http://www.aim.org/…/ted-cruz-breaks-with-koch…/

Marcial BonifacioObamacare. I’ll take it for granted that Trump opposes it, though he has praised it and socialized medicine in other countries in the past. However, he does not oppose the mandate requiring people to unconstitutionally purchase it. He has indicated that in the last few debates and has only presented one plan, which is insurance portability from state to state. Cruz also proposes that along with medical savings accounts and medical insurance retention for those who have lost their jobs.

Julie Egan-JamesWe need to enforce medical care. Sadly. It has to be a law. Like car insurance. Because without it, who pays, we do the employed and small business owners like my husband and I. Sometimes we need big brother. And I hate to say that because I’m not fond of control.

Marcial BonifacioJulie, I wonder how James Madison or Thomas Jefferson would feel about needing “Big Brother.” Anyway, car insurance is mandatory only if you own and drive a car (which is not mandatory). Obamacare is mandatory by virtue of merely being alive. Also it is the states which mandate auto insurance, not the federal government. That’s the big difference.

The solution is to take measures which will lower healthcare costs and make it more affordable. You have said that we should not have to pay for other people’s schooling. I would add food, smart phones, and mortgage to your list as well as healthcare. If healthcare is mandatory, then at least the states should decide. Massachusetts is an example.

Marcial BonifacioEthanol. You’re quite right about energy independence from foreign countries, at least from the ones which are hostile towards America. However, there are alternatives (natural gas, fracking) to the unconstitutional ethanol subsidy as Launey pointed out in addition to renewable resources as wind, solar, etc. At any rate, private enterprise and the free market (which will lead to competition, lowering prices) can resolve that issue, which is precisely why Cruz was the only one who opposed the subsidy in Iowa.

Julie Egan-JamesTechnology has advanced. Why can’t our cars. Etc. This is a useless debate. We know we have the brains to move past where we are with this issue. Who’s going to admit we are in this for money, is the question.

Marcial BonifacioHigh Tariff. First and foremost, globalization itself is not antithetical to conservatism. It is excessive regulation which makes it unconservative. Free trade is what’s favorable, and some things are better produced and cheaper if done by other countries. There’s an excellent article on this very subject and about Trump’s 45% tariff, which is worth reading:http://thefederalist.com/…/almost-everything-donald…/

Basically, such a high tariff could cause China to impose retaliatory costs on the U.S., which would simply be passed on to American consumers. Think of buying things for double or triple the price from retailers like Walmart or Target. Besides, most of the job losses in manufacturing are due to automation, not outsourcing as Trump would have you believe. His idea is one of those which sounds great on paper (like communism), but is scarcely practical. Most jobs are in the service sector and in the knowledge or information sphere.

Julie Egan-JamesI will read this. However, deals can be made. There’s always wiggle room. You can make it worth while to use humans over robots. I have many opinions on this. So I will read it before go on.

Marcial BonifacioJulie, humans will always be necessary for some jobs. However, automation is necessary in a free market economy. Otherwise, we would all be living in the horse and buggy era. This is simply an issue of upgrading one’s knowledge and skills in order to adapt to ever changing economy and technology.

Julie Egan-JamesConspiracy theory is a term made up to prevent people from digging to see the facts. Such as 9/11. You will hear the live broadcast that building seven was going to be detonated. Then, they say your crazy for thinking this. When the info is still out there and the footage. No one looks. Why? Because they call us Conspiracy theorist and that’s enough to stop some in their tracks. Sandy hook. False. Not all school shootings are false. That one was. Dig in. Have a look. Public records are still available.

Marcial BonifacioEminent Domain. This was originally confined to government projects for public use. However, it was expanded by the progressive Supreme Court in 2005 to include private projects, something the founders would have frowned upon due to their intent to secure private property rights. Compensation was usually pretty low due to the perception that property owners felt compelled to sell. However, if private developers were freely allowed to make their own offers via the free market, as was the case with Koch Industries, compensation would be higher. Here’s an interesting article on the subject of Trump and eminent domain:

Marcial BonifacioThis was a civilized debate or discussion, indeed. I appreciate all of your views. Since some of you mentioned your approval of Cruz (who is my choice), I have listed 10 reasons why conservatives should support him:

Julie Egan-JamesAlso let me add Marcial Bonifacio. The IRS just donated a lot of money to clinton and Cruz. Why? He is now unable to make a move on the audit. He just signed that deal so to speak, with them. Which explains why he didn’t show up to vote on that issue. Ouch. Not good. Very sketchy. Trump is a free agent. You dont take their money, you don’t take their orders. Don’t get your facts from MSM. We know who owns them also, this too is a fact.

Julie Egan-JamesI homeschool my kids so they know the truth about our history . It’s more than math for me. It’s about them trying to erase the past, and implant garbage in my kids’s mind. But then there’s the whole math thing which is just so insane. I can’t handle it. I felt so appalled I pulled them as fast as I could.

Deborah TraichalWell said Julie E James!! Common core education is a joke!! They don’t want our kids to know the true facts in history!! Learning our true history is how we keep from repeating it!! Makes it easier for them to push socialism on the younger generation!! You did the right thing to home school!!

Deborah TraichalSo true Julie James!! The government wants to dumb down our youth, like some cult, just brainwashing them!!! They don’t even require them to read the diary of Ann Frank anymore, I was shocked but they are teaching them about sympathy for Islam!! It’s insane!!!

Julie Egan-JamesBefore I caught on. My son and I had to read “The Cay”. That’s when my eyes popped open. A rich white boy saved by a poor black man. And how he was a bad boy for not realizing his privilege. Sick.

Julie Egan-JamesWho you take money from says alot more about character then who you give it to in business. We have it all wrong there. It’s what they don’t say that people need to research. Donald trump gave money so people would do him favors. The koch brothers gave cruz money so he would do them favors. That’s how it works.

Marcial BonifacioI think what you do after receiving money is more important than who gives you money. Money itself can’t penetrate the will of a person, though it may help. Anyway, Trump is not self-funding. Even his campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has stated, “He’s no longer self-funding his campaign, and will need to be well-funded by donors in order to defeat Hillary in the general election.”

By the way, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as Trump fulfills the mandate of his supporters. My point is that accepting money from whomever is the donor is less important than for the candidate to honor his word to the American people. So far, Cruz has not deviated.

Julie Egan-JamesThere are absolutely no fact that we have seen that proves Sandy Hook was a real tradgedy. If you are basing facts on tv, I urge you to look into it. There was no Adam Lanza. He was made up. The shooters were those men that were dressed in army digs that several people reported before they wiped it off the news. Which explains why none of the neighbors knew who he even was. The. Magically, everyone was gifted the pay off on their mortgage. In that town. And so much more.

Mary Ann Del MundoI am actually enjoying this challenge, big time. What I love so much about this forum is the battle of ideas and convictions without attacking the persons. This is very relishing and respectable. True benchmark on how online forums should be. What will give me extra pleasure is seeing the response of Mr. Bonifacio.

I agree with everything completely! I would just suggest you change from Cruz stopped the amnesty bill in Senate to that he helped to stop it in the House. It was passed in the Senate, but his amendments exposed it as amnesty. When it got to the House, he walked over to the House to meet with many of the members and he called on the people to call their representatives which is what stopped it in the House.